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You Need a Plan B

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Betsy Wuebker | 12 Comments

Compelling Economic Reasons Why Playing It Safe Isn’t Working in Today’s Economy

December 3 2007 day 53 - When stress does a nu...

Image by DeathByBokeh via Flickr

The economy – it’s on everyone’s mind. Even though there are bright spots, and even boom conditions – North Dakota, anyone? – for the most part, economic challenge is the reality. In the U.S., the Los Angeles Times reports the outlook is grim even for those who are employed:

Employers announced 115,730 planned job cuts last month, more than double August’s total of 51,114, according to the report from consultants Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. The figure was the highest since April 2009 when 132,590 layoffs were announced.

The conditions that affect these statistics are like the stagnant air that gets trapped in the L.A. County basin from time to time. With the mountain ranges blocking the way, westerly winds that would normally dissipate pollutants are ineffective, and the suffocating mass of smog descends and lingers, choking and compromising the health of anyone who breathes. When will it end and what can be done? Continue Reading

Narcissists Find New Ways to Play Online

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Betsy Wuebker | 5 Comments
The Narcissist

Image by nailbender via Flickr

When Barbara Swafford asked me to do a follow-up guest post on narcissism for her site, Observation Mountain, we marveled that the first one (What is Narcissism and How Can You Spot a Narcissist?) is still a top referrer of visitors to PassingThru.  This tells us more than ever, people are looking for answers on how to deal with those who exhibit narcissistic behaviors and create problems for others. It’s possible that social media is responsible for this increase, as Facebook and Twitter in particular appear to be virtual playgrounds within which online emotional predators can easily operate.

My co-author, Lori Hoeck, and I never envisioned the on-going success of our e-book, The Narcissist: A User’s Guide, which is still being downloaded on a daily basis, even though it is almost two years old (click here for a preview of the book). I was happy to respond to Barbara’s request for a timely update on how social media can impact these complicated and frustrating relationships with this: Facebook – The New Playground for Narcissists. Head over and check it out!

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Oktoberfest Lunch at The Black Forest Inn

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Betsy Wuebker | 7 Comments

What better idea than to enjoy a traditional German lunch on the first Saturday in October? That’s what my friend, Jill, and I thought as we embarked on a wonderful afternoon of shopping in Minneapolis. It was a glorious fall day and we decided to begin it with a visit to The Black Forest Inn. I was pleasantly surprised that Jill had never been to this traditional eatery, which has been serving up German cuisine since 1965 at the same location in Minneapolis. What an opportune time to visit! Continue Reading

Making Money Online: Be the Tortoise, Not the Hare

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Betsy Wuebker | 15 Comments

It’s easy to get caught up in the “make money online” frenzy. False claims are made every day by internet marketing “gurus.” Those of us who’ve been around a while know that there’s a self-styled, online “A” list that taints itself with sleazy tactics and recycled hype. While there are plenty of people who genuinely make a good living on the internet using methods like affiliate marketing, information product sales, and subscription services, we’re hoping you don’t fall for the cheesy pitches that are out there. Instead, have a realistic, long-term outlook, pay your dues and put some work in. Be the tortoise, not the hare. Continue Reading

The Windows of the World 9-11-01 – 9-11-11

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Betsy Wuebker | 5 Comments

Dionne Warwick_The Windows Of The World

The windows of the world are covered with rain,
Where is the sunshine we once knew?
Ev’rybody knows when little children play
They need a sunny day to grow straight and tall.
Let the sun shine through.

The windows of the world are covered with rain,
When will those black skies turn to blue?
Ev’rybody knows when boys grow into men
They start to wonder when their country will call.
Let the sun shine through.

The windows of the world are covered with rain,
What is the whole world coming to?
Ev’rybody knows when men can not be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die.
Let the sun shine through.

The windows of the world are covered with rain,
There must be something we can do.
Ev’rybody knows whenever rain appears
It’s really angel tears.
How long must they cry?
Let the sun shine through. – Bert Bacharach